to give someone a
101give (someone) the right to first refusal — give (someone) (the right of/to) first refusal to offer to sell someone something before you offer it to anyone else. I have given my existing publishers first refusal on my next book. (often + on) …
102give (someone) first refusal — give (someone) (the right of/to) first refusal to offer to sell someone something before you offer it to anyone else. I have given my existing publishers first refusal on my next book. (often + on) …
103give someone a bloody nose — give (someone) a bloody nose to defeat or damage someone, but not permanently or seriously. The pro europeans gave their opponents a bloody nose in the debate …
104give someone a free hand — give (someone) a free hand to allow someone to do whatever they think is necessary in a particular situation. His manager had given him a free hand to make whatever changes he felt necessary. (often + to do something) …
105give someone a new lease of life — give (someone) a new lease of life British & Australian, American if something gives someone a new lease of life, it makes them happy or healthy and gives them new energy after a period of illness or sadness. The operation was such a success it… …
106give someone a rocket — give (someone) a rocket British & Australian, informal to speak angrily to someone about something that they have done. My mum gave me a rocket for tearing my new jeans. (often + for + doing something) …
107give someone a rough time — give (someone) a rough time to treat someone severely or to cause difficulties for them. The boss gives me a rough time if I make any mistakes …
108give someone an earful — give (someone) an earful informal to tell someone how angry you are with them. You can just imagine the earful he gave her when they got home …
109give someone an even break — give (someone) an even break American & Australian get an even break if someone gets an even break, they get the same opportunity to improve their situation as other people. Until now no one had given her an even break to prove what she could do …
110give someone carte blanche — give (someone) carte blanche slightly formal to let someone do whatever they want in a particular situation. She gave her interior decorator carte blanche to do up her apartment. (usually + to do something) …
